City Will Begin 17th Avenue Bridge Construction
The city will install the new pedestrian bridge in Brooklyn this weekend, causing Belt Parkway lane closures.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Construction
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New York City will begin construction on the 17th Avenue pedestrian bridge in Brooklyn starting this weekend. The installation project will require lane closures on the Belt Parkway from Friday night through Sunday night, September 20, 2026.
Why it matters
The bridge serves as a vital connection for local residents to reach the Shore Parkway Promenade. Residents have been forced to walk approximately one mile out of their way since the original structure was demolished in 2021 after being struck by trucks.
The bridge project is now scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, marking a three-year delay from the initial 2023 target. Currently, residents must walk one mile to access the Shore Parkway Promenade.
The players
New York City Department of Transportation
This agency is responsible for the maintenance and development of city infrastructure including roads, bridges, and pedestrian walkways.
The details
Crews are installing a pre-manufactured bridge structure that was built off-site to expedite the process. The New York City Department of Transportation cited the COVID-19 pandemic, steel fabrication issues, design changes, and underground utility work as reasons for the long delay.
Timeline
The original pedestrian bridge was demolished in 2021.
The city failed to meet the original 2023 completion deadline.
Installation work begins on September 18, 2026, at 11 p.m.
Belt Parkway lane closures conclude on September 20, 2026.
Market Landscape
The reconstruction aligns with broader municipal efforts to improve pedestrian connectivity while managing aging infrastructure. This project reflects the city's strategy of prioritizing pre-fabricated components to mitigate long-term urban construction disruption.
Local residents in Bath Beach will regain direct access to the Shore Parkway Promenade once construction finishes by the end of 2026. Commuters should prepare for delays on the Belt Parkway throughout the weekend as installation work proceeds.
The takeaway
The multi-year delay underscores the complexity of replacing critical urban infrastructure amid shifting utility and design requirements. Residents can expect improved walking access to the waterfront once the project reaches its conclusion later next year.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure updates in the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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